Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth at Night?

 

Individuals who clench or grind their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism, often experience temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, facial muscle discomfort, and headaches. Approximately 10% of the population suffers from this condition. At Northwest Smile Center, we offer custom-made night guards to protect against these painful symptoms by preventing teeth clenching and grinding, offering crucial relief.

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The Effects of Teeth Grinding

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Night guards not only alleviate discomfort caused by bruxism but also help prevent teeth from shifting over time, which is particularly useful for post-orthodontic patients or anyone looking to preserve their smile. By keeping the teeth in place and distributing muscle stress evenly, night guards reduce tension in the jaw and prevent pressure from concentrating on just a few teeth, which can accelerate bone loss in cases of gum inflammation. Night guards provide essential protection by minimizing trauma from occlusion and preserving both your teeth and gum health.

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Choosing the Right Night Guard

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Once you’ve determined that you need a night guard, you’ll have the option to choose between a pre-fabricated or custom-made device.

• Pre-Fabricated Night Guards: These guards are soft, rubbery, and designed to fit all mouths. However, they are often bulky and uncomfortable. Some pre-made guards can be heated and molded to your teeth, but they still tend to be less comfortable and effective than a custom option. In fact, soft, over-the-counter guards can even perpetuate grinding habits by encouraging chewing on the material.

• Custom-Made Night Guards: At Northwest Smile Center, we offer custom-made night guards that are specially designed to fit your teeth and unique bite. We take precise impressions of your upper and lower teeth and perform a wax bite registration to ensure the guard is perfectly tailored to your natural occlusion. This makes our custom guards significantly more comfortable, durable, and effective than store-bought options.

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​​Insurance Coverage

 

The good news is that many dental insurance plans will help cover the cost of a custom-made night guard, making it an affordable and effective solution for long-term protection.

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Is a Night Guard Right for You?

 

If you wake up with jaw pain, facial muscle discomfort, or experience achy, stiff, or sore jaw muscles throughout the day, you may be grinding your teeth at night. The symptoms of bruxism can be effectively managed with a custom-made night guard from Northwest Smile Center. Unlike store-bought options, our hard, custom-fitted guards provide lasting protection, are comfortable to wear, and help prevent long-term damage to your teeth and jaw.

Protect your smile and ease the pain of teeth grinding—let our experienced team help you find the right night guard solution today.